12 (+ 8 more) Filipino Food to Have During the Holy Week

It has been a practice among Roman Catholics to abstain from eating meat every Friday during lent, and the entire holy week. It is not recommended to eat pork, chicken, beef and other types of meat during this time of the year.

However, you can always consume vegetables and seafood. Since lent is a time to reflect and focus on spiritual health, let me help you a bit by suggesting some dishes that you can prepare for this week so that you can concentrate on more important things.

The original article suggests 12 dishes; I added 8 more dishes and provided the links for the recipes, for your convenience.

May you find inner peace and be able to reflect on your relationship with our creator.

Here are the (12 + 8 more) Filipino food that can help nourish your body for this season:

1. Ginataang Tilapia

Ginataang Tilapia is a delicious dish where Tilapia is cooked in coconut milk (or cream) and served with banana peppers.

2. Inihaw na Pusit

Inihaw na Pusit (grilled squid) is a simple tasty dish that can be prepared quickly. It is best eaten with a spiced vinegar dip.

3. Ginisang Ampalaya (w/egg)

Ginisang Amapalaya is a dish composed of sauteed bitter melon or bitter gourd, tomato, onions, and beaten eggs. This is simply nutritious.

4. Sinigang na Hipon

Sinigang na Hipon or Shrimp in Sour Soup can be considered as a comfort food among Filipinos. It is flavorful and very easy to prepare.

5. Atcharang Papaya

Atcharang Papaya is the Filipino version of Sauerkraut. It is sweet and sour at the same time, though this makes use of green (unripe) papaya.

6. Lumpiang Sariwa

Lumpiang Sariwa or Fresh spring rolls is a perfect dish for lent. Although the original recipe makes use of pork, you can make your version for the holy week by not using pork or any meat ingredient.

7. Tortang Talong

Tortang Talong is a type of Filipino eggplant omelet. It is a quick and easy-to-make dish that I usually eat with banana ketchup and white rice.

8. Ginisang Togue

Ginisang Togue or Sauteed Mung Bean Sprouts with Tofu and Vegetables is something that you might consider for lent. It is nutritious and delicious.

9. Buttered Garlic Shrimp

Garlic Butter Shrimp is shrimp stir-fried in butter and garlic. You can complete this dish in less than 20 minutes.

10. Steamed Lapu-lapu

Steamed Fish or steamed lapu-lapu (grouper) is one of my favorites because it is tasty and the dish does not taste too fishy at all. It might be because of all the citrus blend that was added. It is simple and good!

11. Sardines with Misua and Patola

Sardines (in tomato sauce) with flour noodles, and loofah is what this dish is about. Flavorful, budget-friendly, and practical.

12. Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa with Crab

Crab, string beans, and calabaza squash cooked in coconut milk — OMG!  This is one of my personal favorites. I am sure that most of you feel the same way. Give this a try and let’s see what you think.

 Here are the additional 8 that I hand-picked for you:

1. Tuyo with Rice and Tomato

2. Kangkong in Oyster Sauce

3. Vegetarian Pancit Canton

4. Sipo Eggs

5. Bulanglang

6. Scallop Chop Suey Recipe

7. Inihaw na Tilapia

8. Monggo Guisado with Dilis and Malunggay

Have a blessed lent!

If you have questions, requests, or suggestions, you can contact me here.